Glasflügel 604
| Glasflügel 604 | |
|---|---|
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| Role | GliderTemplate:Short description |
| National origin | West Germany |
| Manufacturer | Glasflügel |
| First flight | early 1970 |
| Introduction | 1970 |
| Status | No longer in production |
| Number built | 11 |
| Developed from | Glasflügel Kestrel 17 |
The Glasflügel 604 is a high-wing, T-tailed, single seat, FAI Open Class glider that was designed and produced in West Germany by Glasflügel starting in 1970.[1][2]
Developed from the Kestrel 17, the 604 is often erroneously called a Kestrel 22 despite the company never giving it a formal name beyond its number designation.[2]
Design and development
The 604 was originally intended as a test aircraft for a proposed two-seat glider that was never built. The prototype did so well in competition that a ten-aircraft production run was completed, resulting in a total of eleven 604s being completed.[1][2]
Due to the aircraft's huge size, including its Script error: No such module "convert". three-piece wing that weighs over Script error: No such module "convert"., the aircraft picked up the nickname "the Jumbo". The wing centre section alone weighs Script error: No such module "convert"., requiring a large crew in order to rig it for flight.[2]
The 604 is constructed from fibreglass. The wing employs a modified Wortmann FX 67-K-170 airfoil at the wing root, changing to a Wortmann FX 67-K-150 at the wing tip. The wing features six flaps, with the outer pair moving at a 2:1 differential ratio with the ailerons. For glidepath control, the 604 has wing top-surface spoilers and a tail-mounted drag chute. The aircraft can carry Script error: No such module "convert". of water ballast. The landing gear is a retractable monowheel.[1][2][3]
Operational history
The 604 prototype, flown by Walter Neubert, came in sixth in the 1970 World Gliding Championships held at Marfa, Texas, even though the pilot was lost overnight after a land-out during the competition and missed the following day. A 604 came second in the Open Class at the 1974 World Championships held at Waikerie, South Australia. The aircraft also set several world records between 1970 and 1974.[1][2]
In 1981, Marion Griffith Jr. flew a 604 for Script error: No such module "convert". from Refugio, Texas to Liberal, Kansas to win the Barringer Trophy, while also setting a US distance to a goal record.[4]
In July 2011, five of the eleven 604s built were located in the United States and registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the Experimental - Racing/Exhibition category.[5]
Specifications (604)
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
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- ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d e f Said, Bob: 1983 Sailplane Directory, Soaring Magazine, page 81, Soaring Society of America November 1983. USPS 499-920
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External links
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